Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 25, 2026
Using the Chick Embryo Brain as a Model for In Vivo and Ex Vivo Analyses of Human Glioblastoma Cell Behavior
Published on: May 26, 2023
Mouse embryos cloned from brain tumors
Leyi Li1, Michele C Connelly, Cynthia Wetmore
1Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA.
Abstract:
Cancer cells escape from growth control by accumulating genetic and epigenetic alterations. In rare instances, epigenetic changes alone are oncogenic. Furthermore, agents that modify DNA methylation or chromatin structure can restore a normal phenotype to cells harboring oncogenic mutations. However, it is unclear to what extent epigenetic reprogramming can reverse oncogenesis. Using somatic nuclear transfer, we show that medulloblastomas arising in Ptc1+/- mice can direct preimplantation development. Additionally, blastocysts derived from medulloblastoma nuclei form postimplantation embryos with typical cell layers. Thus, tumor cells can be epigenetically reprogrammed into normal cell types. This approach could lead to a general strategy for assessing genetic and epigenetic contributions to tumorigenesis.
Insights
Cancer cells can be reprogrammed into normal cell types through epigenetic reprogramming. This study demonstrates that tumor cells can reverse oncogenesis, offering a new strategy for cancer research.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Developmental Biology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Cancer cells evade growth control via genetic and epigenetic changes.
- Epigenetic alterations alone can drive oncogenesis.
- Epigenetic modification agents can revert malignant phenotypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extent to which epigenetic reprogramming can reverse oncogenesis.
- To determine if tumor cells can be reprogrammed into normal cell types.
Main Methods:
- Somatic nuclear transfer technique was employed.
- Medulloblastomas from Ptc1+/- mice were used.
- Nuclear transfer into oocytes for preimplantation development.
Main Results:
- Medulloblastomas could direct preimplantation development after nuclear transfer.
- Blastocysts derived from medulloblastoma nuclei formed viable postimplantation embryos.
- Tumor cell nuclei were reprogrammed into normal embryonic tissues.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic reprogramming can reverse oncogenesis in medulloblastoma cells.
- Somatic nuclear transfer offers a method to assess epigenetic contributions to cancer.
- This approach may lead to novel cancer treatment strategies.
